Hip-hop and graffiti art have always been intertwined, each influencing and elevating the other to create a rich cultural tapestry. The 1980s, often hailed as the golden age of both hip-hop and graffiti, produced numerous iconic record covers that showcase this synergy. This curated list delves into 16 seminal albums featuring graffiti artists, illustrating their significant impact on hip-hop culture and visual art.
1. Sleeping Bag Records’ Greatest Mixers (Gnome & Gemini), 1985
In the mid-1980s, Sleeping Bag Records was known for its eclectic roster of hip-hop artists, including Mantronix and EPMD. The 1985 compilation album “Sleeping Bag Records’ Greatest Mixers” featured vibrant cover art by Gnome & Gemini, a sibling duo from Brooklyn. Their dynamic illustration reflects the exciting energy of the era and captures the essence of hip-hop culture, showcasing their reputation as founding members of the Craftwork Kings graffiti crew.
2. Old School Classics (Serve), 1989
Released in 1989, “Old School Classics” is a lesser-known compilation from Tuff City that features tracks by pioneers like the Cold Crush Brothers and Grand Wizard Theodore. The cover art, crafted by graffiti artist Joey “Serve” Vega, highlights his talent and contributions to hip-hop record art. Serve’s diverse portfolio includes over two dozen album covers, making him a notable player in the scene during the late ’80s.
3. Uprock (Doze), 1984
“Uprock” was the second single from Rock Steady Crew’s debut album “Ready for Battle,” released in 1984. The cover art, created by Devious Doze, who was both a graffiti artist and a member of the Rock Steady Crew, features vibrant imagery reflecting the crew’s b-boy culture. Doze’s artistic style resonates with his background in graffiti, making this cover a perfect representation of the hip-hop movement of the time.
4. Rhythmical Madness (Serve), 1989
Another standout work by Joey “Serve” Vega, “Rhythmical Madness,” released in 1989, showcases the collaborative efforts of 45 King and Louie Louie. The cover art features Serve’s unique and claustrophobic illustration style, further solidifying his impact on hip-hop visuals. This album, primarily instrumental, exemplifies how graffiti art can enhance the auditory experience of music.
5. Street Sounds: Hip Hop 18 (Artful Dodger), 1987
“Street Sounds: Hip-Hop 18” is part of a UK compilation series that brought American hip-hop to British audiences. The cover art, created by Artful Dodger, a prominent figure in London’s graffiti scene, incorporates elements of urban art that reflect the cultural exchange between the two regions. Dodger’s work showcases the burgeoning hip-hop culture in the UK during the late ’80s.
6. B-Girls Live And Kicking (Akiem Irish), 1987
Released by B-Boy Records in 1987, “B-Girls Live and Kicking” celebrates female emcees like Sparky D and Baby Doll. The cover art, created by Akiem Irish (also known as Akiem the Rhythm Maker), combines his talents as a graffiti artist and musician. Irish’s artwork captures the essence of female empowerment within hip-hop, offering a vibrant and engaging visual identity for the album.
7. Street Sounds: Hip Hop 20 (TERICE), 1988
“Street Sounds: Hip-Hop 20” features a blend of American and British rap music, showcasing talents like Rob Base and Overlord X. The cover artwork by TERICE, a notable graffiti artist from southwest London, merges graffiti styles with sci-fi aesthetics, creating a visually striking representation of the music contained within. This album cover exemplifies the innovative spirit of the era.
8. Rap’s New Generation (Dawud Anyabwile), 1988
Dawud Anyabwile, known for his comic book-centric visuals, designed the cover for “Rap’s New Generation.” Released in 1988, this compilation features early rap pioneers and showcases the intersection of comic art and hip-hop culture. Anyabwile’s work has been recognized in prestigious collections, including the Smithsonian, highlighting the cultural significance of his contributions to both music and visual art.
9. Needle to the Groove (Gnome & Gemini), 1985
The cover for “Needle to the Groove,” a 1985 single from Mantronix, features the signature style of Gnome & Gemini. This vibrant artwork captures the lively atmosphere of a dance club, showcasing the fashion and culture of the time. The illustration not only highlights the duo’s artistic prowess but also serves as a visual homage to the hip-hop scene, filled with energy and style.
10. Back to the Old School (Gnome & Gemini), 1986
Another iconic cover by Gnome & Gemini, “Back to the Old School,” released in 1986, has become a personal favorite for many fans. This illustration features notable figures from the hip-hop community, including rapper Just-Ice and DMX, set against a colorful backdrop that encapsulates the essence of urban culture. The cover serves as a nostalgic portal to the vibrant world of hip-hop during its formative years.
11. Street Sounds: Hip Hop 22 (TERICE), 1988
Continuing the Street Sounds series, “Hip Hop 22” features cover art by TERICE, who incorporates abstract visuals reminiscent of graffiti legends like Futura 2000. This artwork reflects the evolution of graffiti in the UK, showcasing the unique fusion of hip-hop and urban art. TERICE’s style captures the dynamic spirit of the genre, making it a standout piece in the series.
12. The Brothers (Akiem Irish), 1987
Akiem Irish’s cover for “The Brothers,” released by Kickin’ Live Productions in 1987, showcases his multifaceted talents as a graffiti artist, rapper, and producer. This artwork reflects the energy of the underground hip-hop scene and highlights Irish’s ability to blend various artistic forms. His contributions to this project illustrate the collaborative spirit that defines hip-hop culture.
13. Wotupski!?! (Seen & Duster), 1984
The cover for “Wotupski!?!,” created by graffiti artists Seen and Duster, is notable for being one of the few graffiti art covers executed directly on concrete. Released in 1984, this Jellybean Benitez EP features a dense mural that showcases the artists’ skills and the vibrant graffiti culture of New York City. The cover serves as a testament to the artistic possibilities of graffiti in music.
14. Wild Style Soundtrack (Zephyr, Revolt & Sharp), 1983
The “Wild Style” soundtrack, released in 1983, features a mural created by graffiti legends Zephyr, Revolt, and Sharp. This groundbreaking album captures the essence of hip-hop during its formative years, showcasing tracks by pioneers like The Cold Crush Brothers and Rammelzee. The cover art, painted on a large wall in the Bronx, remains an iconic representation of the intersection of graffiti and hip-hop culture.
15. What More Can I Say? (Shirt Kings), 1988
Audio Two’s debut album, “What More Can I Say?,” features airbrush-painted cover art by the legendary Shirt Kings. This crew, known for their unique style, created iconic fashion statements for hip-hop artists in the late ’80s. The album cover reflects the larger-than-life aesthetics of graffiti, showcasing the cultural significance of airbrushed art in hip-hop fashion and music.
16. Beat Bop (Jean-Michel Basquiat, aka SAMO), 1983
The cover for “Beat Bop,” designed by Jean-Michel Basquiat, showcases his early work as a graffiti artist under the tag SAMO. Released in 1983, the record features contributions from Rammellzee and K-Rob, blending art and music in a groundbreaking way. The rarity of the original pressing, along with its cultural significance, has made “Beat Bop” one of the most valuable rap records ever, cementing Basquiat’s legacy in both the art and music worlds.
Each of these album covers serves as a powerful reminder of the synergistic relationship between hip-hop and graffiti art. They not only represent a significant moment in music history but also illustrate how visual art can enhance and elevate the cultural narrative of hip-hop. As we reflect on these iconic works, we celebrate the artists who have shaped the visual landscape of this vibrant genre.
